Susie Hillman
Susie came to yoga in search of better posture, a better-feeling body, and a better attitude. Many years later, after suffering postpartum depression, Susie’s yoga path led her to the teacher’s seat. Supporting mothers and mothers-to-be in with yoga makes Susie joyful.
In her classes, Susie blends asana instruction, breathing practice, and meditation, often organized around a theme. She pays close attention to form and alignment to keep students safe, and uses humor and partner work to help create a sense of community in the class. On any given day, a student might hear jokes about the pelvic floor or be led into a delicious-feeling partner squat. Sometimes these things happen at the same time.
Susie is grateful for her extended yoga community, the tutelage of her beloved teacher, Denise Benitez, and Anusara yoga.
Susie’s Yoga Quiz…
How did you 1st find Yoga?
I came to yoga in search of better posture, a better-feeling body, and a better attitude. But the short answer is that my roommate suggested it.
What is your favorite Yoga book?
The practical yoga book I turn to over and over is John Friend’s Anusara Teacher Training Manual. But one of my favorites in terms of philosophy is Tree of Yoga by BKS Iyengar.
What feeds your soul?
Time alone feeds my soul. So does clowning around with my kids, making baked goods, and practicing yoga. And meditation. And eating baked goods.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
A guilty pleasure of mine is getting a full-body scrub after a long hot-pool soak at the Korean spa.
Who or what most influences your teaching?
My students influence my teaching a lot. They help me fine-tune things, and also they inspire me with their strength and beauty! At bedrock, though, is my decade of study with my teacher, Denise Benitez.
What is on your Yoga playlist? Or What is on your all-time favorite playlist?
My all-time favorite playlist would include songs from my childhood (Elton John), my teens (New Order), my party years (Pixies, Pavement, Built to Spill), recent obsessions (Sleigh Bells), and, of course, “The Girl From Ipanema.”
What is your favorite quote?
A favorite quote is from Leonard Cohen:
“There is a crack in everything/It’s how the light gets in.”
